Archives for October 4, 2017

'Eichel will be playing this season in the final year of his entry-level deal, which pays a salary of $925,000 and performance bonuses that can take the deal to around $3.7 million.' … [Read more...] about Sabres sign Eichel to eight-year, $80 million deal

'Of course, $10 million per season is already an astronomical amount. When the extension kicks in next season, Eichel will be tied for fifth in average annual salary. Edmonton's Connor McDavid will make $12.5 million. He'll be followed by Montreal's Carey Price and Chicago's dynamic duo of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane at $10.5 million each.' … [Read more...] about With Eichel poised to leap to elite, finalizing deal now will pay off for Sabres

'"I love it. It's something we didn't do as much in Montreal," he said. "Just being involved in every aspect of every play is unique. You saw them do it in Nashville and what he brought here is great. The guys like it.' … [Read more...] about After forced exit from Habs, Beaulieu finding fit with Sabres

'"I think every day you've still got to prove yourself, prove your worth and work hard," said Griffith, 24. "At the same time, I think we're getting ready to get a season going here. We want to come out strong.' … [Read more...] about Sabres Notebook: Griffith cracks final roster at forward

'"Every morning I come to work and I'm ready to go," the 53-year-old said. "I get after it."' … [Read more...] about As soon as Phil Housley stepped behind Buffalo’s bench, coach knew he was in the right place

'The new coach is transforming the Sabres into an aggressive team, one that features active defensemen and quick-thinking forwards. Some parts of the system – blue-liners leading the rush or firing away from the point – will be obvious. Other things – defenders tightening their gaps and stepping up at the blue line – will be more nuanced.' … [Read more...] about It’s all systems go as Housley emphasizes aggressiveness for Sabres

'So in a real sense, Buffalo is the most distressed sports city in America. And while the Bills' drought began well before Terry and Kim Pegula came to town, the teams have traveled along parallel tracks of woe and dysfunction since they bought the Sabres six years ago.' … [Read more...] about Jerry Sullivan: In Buffalo’s race to the playoffs, do Sabres still have edge on Bills?

'Eichel looks faster than ever, if that's possible. There seems to be no lingering effect of the high ankle sprain that cost him the first 21 games of last season and dogged him for many more after that.' … [Read more...] about Mike Harrington: In Year Three, expect a big step forward for Eichel

'"We as players need to hold each other accountable and show up every day – that's everyone, me, too," he said. "That's what I think everyone is on board about. We all talked, and we know what we need to change."' … [Read more...] about 2017-18 Sabres team preview: Why should this year be any different?

'Most signs point to a breakout year for Jack Eichel. He wants to be the best. Even if he's pretty darn close, he would be a point-per-game player. That means Eichel would single-handedly supply the Sabres with 25 more goals than last year (through goals or assists). Good teams have those kind of difference makers.' … [Read more...] about As Sabres start season, five reasons for optimism :-) … & five for pessimism :-(

'He's the only player to win three straight gold medals for Canada at the World Junior Championships, won an NCAA title at Michigan and eventually played 88 games in the NHL for the Dallas Stars, Calgary Flames, Atlanta Thrashers and the Sabres. After concussions ended his career in 2004 while with the Rochester Amerks, Botterill returned to school and earned an MBA from his … [Read more...] about For Jason Botterill, sports have always been a family affair

'The loquacious Biron has replaced Brad May on the pregame, intermission and postgame shows and also will be an analyst on a limited number of games with fellow analyst Rob Ray and play-by-play men Rick Jeanneret and Dan Dunleavy.' … [Read more...] about A new-look broadcast team to go with the new-look Sabres

'Probably the biggest assets they bring are credibility and a proven track record of success. Botterill apprenticed in the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, which is the gold standard for success. Housley was an assistant with the Nashville Predators and handled the best defense corps in the NHL. He also coached USA to a gold medal in the World Junior Championship.' … [Read more...] about Mixed Media Roundtable: NHL watchers size up the Sabres

'The playoff drought isn't as pronounced for the Amerks as it is for the parent Buffalo Sabres. Rochester last went to the postseason in 2014. Since then they've endured three losing seasons. And the six-time Calder Cup champions haven't advanced past the first round of the playoffs since 2005.' … [Read more...] about 2017-18 Amerks preview: Rochester seeking individual gains from team success

'The team unveiled a dozen new concession-stand items Monday at KeyBank Center and several more that are specific to club-level seating. There are new takes on classic offerings in addition to more artisanal entrees and side dishes … and your kids are going to go straight for the crazy ice cream.' … [Read more...] about Here’s what’s new to eat at Sabres games in 2017-18